Date: Thu, 27 Apr 1995 07:50:10 -0400 (EDT)
From: David Casti
Reply-To: Beyond.The.Closet@Bendnet.com
Subject: ACTION ALERT: Oregon
Submitted by: Beyond.The.Closet@Bendnet.com
Bill Wyatt, Chief of Staff, (503) 373-1565
Beyond The Closet is trying to get Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber to meet with
Floyd Cochran, and we could use some support from out of State. After a
futile attempt to get the two of them together in Bend, OR last week we are
going to try to get the two of them together ASAP.
Why, you may ask? Well the so called "logic" is that having the Governor meet
with Floyd and issue a joint statement against hate groups would send a strong
message to the people of Oregon about rascism, bigotry and hatred. One of the
tacks which has been taken in many rural communities in which it is not
acceptable to speak in a positive fashion about Lesbigay people is to address
bigotry in general and slip heterosexism into the mix.
It would look good for Oregon to have the Governor take a public stand with
Floyd, especially with the national attention Floyd is getting in the wake of
the bombing in Oklahoma City.
On a more missionary note, it could help boost attendance at Floyd's talks and
draw more attention to the work we are all doing to counter hate and bigotry
in Oregon. Which could boost our efforts at home and help Oregon's tarnished
image accross the nation.
So, would all ya'll please take a few minutes as soon as possiible to call the
Governor's Chief of Staff, Bill Wyatt (503-373-1565), and ask that the
Governor to discuss the growth of the white supremacist and militia movememts
in Oregon and make a joint press appearance Q especially valuable since Floyd
has been touring Oregon and learning from local people about how they feel,
and what is going on in their back yard.
If you have had Floyd in your community (especially those of you from outside
Oregon) tell Mr. Wyatt the importance of Floyd's visit to your community and
why you feel it is important for the Governor of Oregon to meet with Floyd.
I will be calling Mr. Wyatt later this week, so call soon!
If you have any questions contact me at
Thank You,
Bruce Amsbary